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Staycation in Lincoln
On 10th August 2017 by HelenWhat do you do when you’ve just got back from travelling, have basically no money and wanderlust has taken over your soul?…Staycation of course!
Last weekend saw myself and mum go to the historic city of Lincoln. We originally were going for a family event but of course made time for a little adventure and sightseeing trip.
Lincoln is an incredible city and evidence suggests it dates way back to Saxon times. It’s famous for its castle and cathedral which dominate the top of the hill and overlook the city. Right now the castle hosts one of the four original Magna Carters from 1215, a Charter of the Forest dated 1217 and the Doomsday book 1086-1089.
After having breakfast at our hotel we took a walk into the city and towards the castle and cathedral. The city is a real mix of old meets new, with a modern shopping centre and cute boutiques tucked into what would have been old rickety houses. In order to get to the castle from where we were staying we had to walk through the city centre, under the arch of the Guild Hall and then up the vast, steep hill all the way to the top – a good glute work out that’s for sure. I would highly recommend you take the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus to the top of the hill if you have any breathing issues, joint problems or low level fitness.
Once at the top of the hill we went to the Visitor Information centre and got our joint ticket for the castle and cathedral. We started at the castle and took a 1 hour guided tour. The original castle dates back to Roman times but historians believe it inhabited a Saxon village on the site beforehand. The walls have been dated back as far as 1068. Sat inside the castle grounds is the old prison and current day court house.
As you enter through the gates the first thing you view on the right hand side is one of the oldest bay windows estimated to have been put into the castle around 300 years ago. You can also take a walk around the top of the castle walls and see for miles out over the Lincolnshire countryside, there’s an observatory you can climb too – stunning views, but I wouldn’t go up there if your claustrophobic, the staircase is very narrow.
Once we’d finished with the castle we took a short walk in the grounds to the old prison and took a look at the Doomsday book and the Magna Carter. Honestly it’s so amazing these documents are still in tact and we can still view them today. The Doomsday book (of which there are actually two, but only one is on show) records all the land ownership in each county within the UK, like a census of some kind and the Magna Carter is a document which states that no one is above the law and the King (King John at the time) had limited power. This meant his people had protection from illegal imprisonment and had access to justice, there was also to be parliamentary approval for taxes. It’s basically the document which our modern day constitutional laws are centred around here in the U.K.
From the castle grounds we walked across the street to the cathedral. This is one of the most awe inspiring cathedrals I have seen. It’s so vast in size, with so many different chapels to view. The two front towers of the cathedral are ‘wonky’ and bear off to the left and the right, the central tower is the only straight one. The cathedral was originally constructed in 1072 but in 1185 was party destroyed by an earthquake. The rebuild started in 1192 and finished in 1245. There is so much to view and take in. The stained glass windows are beautiful and the section for the choir is so opulent. You can take a rooftop tour but we chose not to do this as we were short on time. I would 100% recommend visiting here if you every get the chance.
After we’d finished at the cathedral we were both slightly peckish so decided to go and find lunch at one of the cute tea shops which line the hill. We found one call Bunty’s which looked nice and had gluten free options. It wasn’t until we were sat down we realised it had won Tea Shop of the Year 2016. The staff could not have been more helpful with the gluten free options. They were open and honest that they were not a gluten free kitchen but did inform me separate boards and knives were used on gluten free produce and they even opened a new pack of butter so not to cause cross contamination. After a quick google of ingredients (still getting used to what I can and can’t have) I decided on a brie and cranberry gluten free sandwich with a side salad, followed by gluten free bakewell cake and a peppermint tea. It was delicious and I was one very happy customer.
With full stomachs we had to make our way back to the car as our car parking time was at an end and make our way home. We had parked in our hotel car park for the day.
We stayed at Double Tree by Hilton situated on the water front. The hotel was modern, clean and very comfortable. Our room was beautifully laid out and spacious. The bathroom was clean and we even got Crabtree and Evelyn bathroom minis which was a nice surprise. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful and were able to cater to my gluten free needs throughout our family party and then at breakfast in the morning. Overall a great stay and I’d definitely be back.
(Please see About section for disclaimers)
Where’s your favourite place in the U.K? I’d love to know!
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